Felinfoel mums try the building trade!

A group of Felinfoel mums are laying the foundations for a future career in the building trade.
In a unique project, funded by Carmarthenshire County Council’s building services division and Carmarthenshire Homes Standard, eight mums have been engaged through Felinfoel Communities First to take part in an eight-week taster course in construction.
The council has linked up with partners in Coleg Sir Gâr and the Carmarthenshire Construction Training Association Ltd to put on the course, which it hopes to eventually roll out to other parts of the county.
During the six weeks, the mums have taken part in taster sessions in carpentry, plaster work, plumbing, painting and decorating.
They have made their own bird feeders, and worked together to produce two picnic tables and benches – one of which has been donated to Felinfoel Family Centre, where their children attend, and the other to Felinfoel Primary School.
Mum-of-two Amanda Wilmott, from Dafen, said: “It’s been great to have something to really get involved with. I particularly enjoyed the carpentry aspect of it – it’s been good to try something which I’d never have had the confidence to try before. We’ve just moved in to a new house, and if there’s anything that needs doing now I may give it a go myself!”
Ray Symes, senior operational officer, for building services, said: “This is a unique project with the aim of engaging young people in the building trade, giving them practical experience of various trades, and offering them opportunities to access college-based education and training.
“It’s open to males and females, but we have been really encouraged by the number of women who are taking part and trying something new.
“Our aim is to extend the programme throughout other parts of Carmarthenshire in the future, to help unlock doors for other young people and to give them an insight in to the range of employment opportunities available in the construction industry.”
Nia Davies, Carmarthenshire Homes Standard programme officer, added: “It’s been really encouraging to see the enthusiasm the ladies have shown, and to see how it has helped boost their confidence. Some of them have really taken an interest, and have said they would consider a formal training course with a view to starting a career in the building trade.”
At the end of the eight-week course, the mums had the opportunity of visiting Ysgol Y Felin, which is currently under construction. There they saw various tradesmen – and women – at work, and chatted with them about their jobs and apprenticeships, giving them an extra insight in to the kind of work they could do in the future.
Their final week will be spent at Coleg Sir Gâr where they will chat with tutors and students about the various construction courses available.
Coleg Sir Gâr tutor Mike Walters said: “The course is an excellent way of trying out a variety of different trades, whether it's gaining confidence to get professional skills to use in the home, or taking it further and using this opportunity to look at a career in construction. Because it's a short course, people are more likely to have the confidence to give it a go.”
Cllr Philip Hughes, executive board member for building services, added: “This has been a very worthwhile project which seems to have captured the imagination of those that have been involved. What is most encouraging is that some of them have shown an interest in pursuing a career in the construction industry, and I’m delighted that we have been able to give them a step up on to the ladder.”

Mums Lynda Ross, Amanda Wilmot and Melanie Anderson, with their children Dion, Katie and Caitlin, with Nia Davies, Carmarthenshire Homes Standard programme officer; Anthony Rees and Clive Dakin of CCTAL; Mike Walters, of Coleg Sir Gar; and Ray Symes, senior operational officer, Carmarthenshire County Council building services. Pic Jeff Connell

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